Sokoto Teenager’s Death: Family demands justice, prosecution of suspects

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The family of 15-year-old Fadimatu Abubakar Gizo, who allegedly died after being sexually assaulted in Yarume Mai Hako village, Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has appealed to the authorities to ensure justice for the deceased.

The family also called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the suspects currently in police custody if found culpable.

Fadimatu was reportedly attacked while she and other girls were gathering firewood in a nearby forest. She subsequently died following the alleged assault.

The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with the teenager’s parents and residents calling for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Fadimatu’s father, who spoke amid grief, appealed to the Federal and Sokoto State governments, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities to ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated.

“We are deeply bereaved and emotionally devastated by the death of our daughter.

“We want all the suspects arrested and currently being detained to face justice. We appeal to the authorities to come to our aid and ensure that whoever is responsible for the death of our daughter does not escape justice,” he said.

The victim’s mother, Malama Yar Buga, also called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death.

She urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found to have committed an offence.

“We cannot understand how the life of our daughter could end this way. She had a future ahead of her, and preparations were being made for her marriage,” she said.

The Ward Head of Yarume Mai Hako, Alhaji Abubakar Yarume, described the incident as devastating and called for a comprehensive investigation to establish what happened.

He said the community would continue to seek justice for the deceased.

“We will not rest until justice is served. Fadimatu was an honest, disciplined and humble girl, and her life was cut short,” the traditional leader said.

Two friends of the deceased, Khadijah Buba and Faiza Bello, were also said to have provided information to investigators concerning the incident.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the arrest of suspects in connection with the case.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the suspects were being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, while investigation continued.

Rufai assured that the command would conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger protection of children and other vulnerable persons, as well as effective investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators of sexual and violent crimes where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.

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